Belt clamp

ABSTRACT

A belt clamp comprising a first member, a second member having a hinge engagement with the first member at a distal end of the second member, the second member having a recess for receiving a belt, a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member, and the first member having a side portion that is proximately alignable with the second member by operation of the hinge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a belt clamp, and more particularly to a belt clamp comprising a first member, a second member having a hinge engagement with the first member at a distal end of the second member, the second member having a recess for receiving a belt, a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member, and the first member having a side portion that is proximately alignable with the second member by operation of the hinge.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, forklifts comprise a mast to which is connected forks for lifting loads. The lifting mechanism typically comprises chain. The chain can be fixed to the mast by a clevis. Further, chain requires periodic maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication.

It is know to use belts in lift applications, for example, for elevators. Clamps are known for fastening the belt end to a pulley or anchor. The clamps comprise plates extending across the belt with bolts extending through the plates and belt.

Representative of the art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,791 (1980) which discloses a device for preventing a belt from being pulled from a retractor comprises a clamp holder and a base member having closely spaced surfaces defining a gap through which the belt passes and from which the belt runs off forwardly at an angle away from the base member. The holder receives a clamp which has a gripping surface protruding slightly from the holder surface and, in part, defining the gap. The holder is pivoted on the base member, and the clamp and holder are spring-loaded about the pivot axis in a direction which holds the clamp out of engagement with the belt. An abrupt force tending to pull the belt abruptly forward through the gap forces the holder to pivot or rock rearwardly, thus engaging the gripping surface of the clamp with the belt. Forwardly oblique, transverse wedging surfaces on the clamp and clamp holder wedge the clamp tightly against the belt and prevent it from being pulled forward.

It is not previously known to easily retrofit a belt directly into a chain application on a forklift mast or similar application.

What is needed is a belt clamp having a member having a recess for receiving a belt wrapped around a clevis and a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member. The present invention meets this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary aspect of the invention is a belt clamp having a member having a recess for receiving a belt wrapped around a clevis and a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member.

Other aspects of the invention will be pointed out or made obvious by the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

The invention comprises a belt clamp comprising a first member, a second member having a hinge engagement with the first member at a distal end of the second member, the second member having a recess for receiving a belt, a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member, and the first member having a side portion that is proximately alignable with the second member by operation of the hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the belt clamp.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the belt clamp.

FIG. 3 is a view of the belt clamp on a mast with a belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a side view of the belt clamp. Belt clamp 100 comprises a first member 10 in hinged relation to a second member 20. Hinge 30 is disposed at an end of member 20.

A recess 21 receives a clevis C. Clevis C is typically attached to a forklift mast, see FIG. 3. A forklift mast chain is typically connected to clevis C. The invention replaces the chain typically connected to clevis C so that a belt, see FIG. 3, can be used to replace the chain without any modification to the existing mast structure. Further the retrofit for the belt can be accomplished without special tools or other modifications to the mast since the only load bearing connection for the belt is the clevis C.

Recess 21 is shaped such that it can further accommodate a belt wrapped around the clevis C. Recess 21 has a depth sufficient to cause an axis A of clevis C to be disposed a distance D1 inward of a surface 23. This optimizes the load bearing capability of the belt clamp while minimizing the tendency of the load to force the belt clamp open. This in turn reduces the load bearing requirement for the fastener.

FIG. 1 shows the belt clamp in an open position. When closed member 10 covers member 20, thereby applying a clamping force to a belt. Consequently, the clamp can be rated at the full load capacity of the belt.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the belt clamp. Member 10 comprises side portions 11 and 12. Each side portion 11 and 12 extends from a center portion 14. Member 10 has a “C” shape in cross-section. Member 20 fits between side portions 11 and 12 when the belt clamp is closed. Each side portion 11, 12, is proximately alignable with the second member 20 by operation of the hinge 30.

A hole 131 in center portion 14 will accept a fastener such as a bolt.

Member 20 comprises a hole 22 which will accommodate a fastener from hole 13, see FIG. 3. The fastener passes through the belt and clamps together member 10 and member 20, thereby securing the belt.

In the alternative a fastener need not extend through the holes 13, 22 and instead may comprise a “C” clamp engaged across each member 10, 20. “C” clamps are known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, first member 10 may be welded to second member 20 with the belt clamp in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a view of the belt clamp on a mast with a belt.

Although a form of the invention has been described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations may be made in the construction and relation of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described herein. 

1. A belt clamp comprising: a first member; a second member having a hinge engagement with the first member at a distal end of the second member; the second member having a recess for receiving a belt; a fastener for clamping the first member to the second member; and the first member having a side portion that is proximately alignable with the second member by operation of the hinge.
 2. The belt clamp as in claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member each comprise a hole for receiving the fastener.
 3. The belt clamp as in claim 1, wherein the first member further comprises a second side portion such that the first member has a “C” shaped cross section.
 4. The belt clamp as in claim 1, wherein the recess has a depth sufficient to cause an axis A of a clevis C to be disposed a distance D1 inward of a surface
 23. 